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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
07:14
A Method to Study Adaptation to Left-Right Reversed Audition
Published on: October 29, 2018
Image shift caused by strong lateral reflections, and its relation to inter-aural cross correlation
1Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University, Nada, Japan.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|December 7, 2000
Summary
This study investigated acoustical image shift, a phenomenon caused by sound reflections. Researchers identified specific frequency ranges and acoustic measures to prevent image shift in sound fields, crucial for concert hall acoustics.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Psychoacoustics
- Architectural Acoustics
Background:
- Image shift is an acoustical phenomenon caused by strong lateral reflections, leading to perception of multiple auditory images.
- Understanding the conditions that cause image shift is crucial for designing optimal sound fields, particularly in performance spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conditions that lead to acoustical image shift.
- To define frequency ranges and acoustic measures associated with different types of image shift.
- To establish acceptable acoustic parameter ranges for concert halls to avoid image shift.
Main Methods:
- Conducted listening tests using electrically reproduced sound fields.
- Analyzed binaural impulse responses using the inter-aural cross correlation function (IACF).
- Measured acoustic parameters in three existing concert halls.
Main Results:
- Each of the three defined types of image shift was associated with a specific frequency range.
- Image shift occurrence correlated with three measures derived from the IACF.
- Acceptable ranges for these measures were suggested for frequencies of 500 Hz and above, with lower frequencies being less critical.
Conclusions:
- The study provides objective measures to evaluate and control acoustical image shift.
- An upper limit of 0.85 for [1 - IACC(E3)] is proposed as a preferable range to maintain a single auditory image.
- Findings are applicable to the acoustic design of concert halls and other performance venues.
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